Winton Irving Goodrich, a husband, father, grandfather, and educator, passed away at his home in West Berlin, Vermont, on November 29, 2024, at the age of 72. Winton was diagnosed with a brain tumor on August 29, 2024. He had surgery the Tuesday after Labor Day. The diagnosis was Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The eternal optimist, he fought hard. Even though his prognosis was terminal, he chose radiation and two rounds of chemotherapy. With Valerie, his devoted wife of 51 years by his side, he embraced the time he had left by flying to Chicago to visit family, spending time in Maine and golfing as much as possible. Thanksgiving was spent at home with family by his side. Right before he passed, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren sled and ate Thanksgiving leftovers.

He was born on December 17, 1951, the son of Sally (McCutcheon) and Walter Goodrich. Winton was the eldest of six sons raised on Molly Brook Farm in Cabot, Vermont.

Winton's early years were spent working on the family's Jersey farm. During this time, he developed an intense work ethic that carried over into all aspects of his life. His days started early and ended late with farm chores. There was time carved out for good, old-fashioned fun. This included skiing and snowmobiling on the hill behind the farm, summers on Joe's Pond and kicking off the work boots to slide through the "cow mud". His brothers called him "Boss Boy". He was and it served him well throughout his life.

Winton attended Cabot High School. It was during this time that he started playing sports. His passion for athletics and strong leadership skills led him to pursue a higher education. He attended Lyndon State College as a student athlete. His sophomore year he volunteered to lead Freshman Orientation. This is where he met his "lovely bride", Valerie. The couple married in 1973, the year before he graduated with a B.S. in PE.

Immediately after graduation, Winton wanted an adventure. He hopped on his motorcycle with a destination of Vinalhaven, ME. He attended Outward Bound, a two-week outdoor survival course. The most memorable part of the course was the three days and three nights he spent on Hurricane Island solo. He was given only a book to safely help him forage. He referenced this experience often. He had ventured outside of his comfort zone and enjoyed encouraging others to do the same.

Winton began his professional career at Blue Mountain Union Schools as a Health and Physical Education teacher and coach. The position was a one-year sabbatical. Next, he accepted a teaching/coaching position at Northfield Middle/High school, followed by Mainstreet Middle School in Montpelier. Simultaneously, his desire to grow professionally led him to pursue a M.Ed. from UVM. This opened the door for his first administrative position as Assistant Principal at Peoples Academy.

The commute from Peoples Academy took time away from family. Winton jumped at the opportunity to work closer to home at the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce building relationships between businesses and schools. Although he took a break from serving in schools, he continued to be involved in education. His next professional move was also close to home, serving as Associate Director of the Vermont School Boards Association. He was able to coach his children's sports teams and be more involved with his family.

This involvement included continuous projects at the family homestead with his wife and young children. Winton had worked for the Vermont State Police during his stint at Northfield. His time on Snowmobile Patrol brought him to a lovely piece of property in West Berlin. He had a vision for the wooded 25 acres. Together, he and Valerie cleared the land, designed and built their post and beam home. Winton's father-in-law always said, "if you're going to do a job, do it right". Winton embraced this motto in every job he undertook.

While at VSBA, Winton began the Doctor of Education program at the University of Vermont. Additionally, he was a pioneer for the Vermont School Crisis Planning Team and instrumental during their early development. In 2011, he decided to return to public education as an Assistant Superintendent at South Burlington Schools. His final position was serving as Superintendent at Franklin Northwest Supervisory Union. He retired in 2018.

Retirement. If you knew Winton, you weren't sure he would ever take this path. But he did and lived every day to its fullest. Together with Valerie, they spent warm days kayaking, Septembers in their pop-up camper at Hermit Island Campground in Maine and visiting with family and friends as much as possible. He also fell hard for golf. He loved what it stood for; social outlet, athletic challenge and a shared interest with his golf-professional son.

Winton leaves his wife, Valerie, and his two children, Hilary Goodrich, Brasstown, NC, and Garrett and wife Gina Goodrich, Hawthorn Woods, IL.

Winton leaves his brothers, Glenn and wife Ruth Goodrich, Cabot, VT, Myles and wife Rhonda Goodrich, Cabot, VT, sisters-in-law, Maria Acchione, Cabot, VT, Tami Godfrey, Stowe, VT, and Ruth Godfrey, Montgomery Center, VT, and mother, Sally Goodrich, Craftsbury, VT.

Winton was preceded in death by his father, Walter Goodrich, father-in-law, Wallace Godfrey, mother-in-law, Violet Godfrey, brothers, James Goodrich, Rodney Goodrich, Thomas Goodrich and brother-in-law, Peter Godfrey.

One of the great joys in Winton's life was his grandchildren. A kid at heart, he enjoyed reading books with them, teaching new routines on the trampoline and horseplaying in the water. He continued family traditions, such as camping, Sugar on Snow, tractor rides and his famous french toast. He was in the front row at sporting events and dance recitals. If he wasn't there in person, he would call and want a play by play. Occasionally, he would make them squirm, like when he grabbed a handful of seaweed at the beach, put it on his head and ate a tiny battling crab raw. Known as Pa and Grandpa, he will be greatly missed by Ellie, Leah, and Cora Black, Brasstown, NC and Violet, Brady, and Jade Goodrich, Hawthorn Woods, IL.

There will be a celebration of his life to be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Winton's name to Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, 77 Alpine Drive, Pico Mountain, Killington, VT 05751, (802) 846-7063, www.vermontadaptive.org .